Kolowrat Palace: A Baroque Gem in Prague's Old Town

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Explore the Kolowrat Palace in Prague's Old Town, a Baroque architectural complex with a rich history and home to the Kolowrat Theatre.

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Kolowrat Palace

The Kolowrat Palace, a Baroque architectural complex formed by two Gothic houses, stands on Ovocný trh in Prague's Old Town. Home to the Kolowrat Theatre, it offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and aristocratic past.

A brief summary to Kolowrat Palace

Ovocný trh 579, Old Town, 110 00, CZ
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Local tips

Check the National Theatre's program for performances at the Kolowrat Theatre, located in the palace's attic, for a unique cultural experience.
Explore the exterior architecture, noting the blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, and the Kolowrat family coat of arms above the main entrance.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the Old Town, taking in other nearby historical sites and attractions.

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Getting There

Walking

From Old Town Square, walk east towards Ovocný trh. The Kolowrat Palace is located directly on Ovocný trh, a short walk from the square. The walk is flat and takes only a few minutes.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line A to Můstek station or Line B to Náměstí Republiky station. From either station, it's a short walk to Ovocný trh. Alternatively, trams stop nearby. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. A short-term public transport pass costs around 30 CZK.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Prague's city center. A short taxi ride from Wenceslas Square or Charles Bridge to the Kolowrat Palace will typically cost between 150 CZK and 300 CZK, depending on traffic and the taxi company. Always ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare in advance.

Discover more about Kolowrat Palace

The Kolowrat Palace, located on Ovocný trh in Prague's Old Town, is a Baroque complex with a rich history. The palace is made up of two Gothic houses; the Kolowrat family purchased the first in 1670 and the second in 1697. The palace's high Baroque reconstruction began in 1670, likely based on a design by Giovanni Domenico Orsi. Reconstruction of the second house started in 1697 and finished in 1725. For centuries, the Kolowrat family, specifically the Kolowrat-Krakowsky line, has played a vital role in Bohemian history, and still owns the palace to this day. The family manages the Kolowratek Endowment Fund, which upholds the family's tradition of patronage. The palace was nationalized around 1948 but was returned to the family following the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Count Jindřich Kolowrat-Krakowsky rented the palace to the National Theatre in 1993 for a symbolic annual amount. The Kolowrat Theatre, a chamber stage of the National Theatre, is located in the palace's attic. Today, only the main, street-facing wing of the original four-winged palace remains. The ground floor retains its early Baroque vaults, while the first-floor rooms feature early Baroque painted wood ceilings. While the interiors are not always open to the public, the Kolowrat Palace is a reminder of Prague's aristocratic heritage and architectural evolution.